SUFFOLK—The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge’s fall deer hunt will be canceled this year due to the 6,000-acre wildfire that continues to smolder.

Refuge Manager Chris Lowie said he cannot provide the quality hunt program that hunters deserve while the staff is involved in the firefighting efforts. Refunds will be made to all hunters who have submitted applications.

“The fire is not out and therefore we had to make a decision so hunters can prepare,” Lowie said in a news release.

Officials said the fire is 90 percent contained, and noticeable smoke is expected to continue.

For visitor safety, the refuge closed all trails for 11 days due to Hurricane Irene. Railroad Ditch and Corapeake Ditch roads and Lake Drummond remain closed.

The Refuge Headquarters, Washington Ditch and Jericho Ditch trail entrances have re-opened.

For more information, contact the refuge headquarters at 757-986-3705 or visit www.fws.gov/.